475 - (FREE TO READ): The (not so) "secret world" of Fight Clubs (re-upped Videos)

Mailbox: Settling "beefs" and countering knife crime or exploitation?

Mar 05, 2024

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From “B” by email:

In theory, it's a good idea, but there's a real disregard for safety. Though it beats lads stabbing each other on the streets. Ever seen such a mismatch than between that bruiser and the wee choosy fella under the bridge?”

From “JC” by email:

“I think the premise of anything alternate to knife crime is good, and no doubt is a better and safer way to sort out issues than do it using knives, but to me, I feel it is still too uncontrolled. I would be reluctant myself to engage in a licensed boxing event, so that, to me, is even more frightening.

That said, I think it reiterates good justification for official boxing events to continue, as a safer alternate, to those who might not be keen, even on the licensed boxing/fighting events.”

Jeth:

Channel Four goes slumming it again.

These subjects seem to revolve around and back every couple of years and this is not new in any way. The idea that everyday life is so devoid of… life… that some young guys might thirst for a bit of adrenaline is pretty understandable I think.

3.04 - “I’m always worried but there’s only so much I can do… after they’ve said yeah we’ll fight … and they’ve signed a waiver.”

There’s then talk of a viral brand but also a place where people can settle beefs away from the streets…

I remember a US iteration of this from a few years ago called “Street beefs” or something like that and there was a similar mantra about it being all about giving a place for arguments to be settled without killing etc. There was even an app in the UK at one point that matched you up with someone local who fancied a fight - sort of like Tinder for thugs…

There are loads of these setups on EweTube and it’s a big market.

I don’t tend to believe this to be the claimed alternative to serious knife crime as these are low-level spats in comparison to the county lines-generated knife violence we see across the country which will never be about settling arguments because it is about control of territory and money.

Some of the kids taking part in these type of targeted stabbings and violence can be victims of grooming and trafficking - modern slaves, something never discussed in the media seeking to sow discord in the social consciousness, the same media that glorifies money and celebrity over everything by the way…

I think that the lads that run these groups sound often like they’ve spent all their time reading entrepreneur books and see it as a ticket to the good life. It will be until a certain level and then a bigger fish may take it off them.

Fighting for money is an exploitation I feel at the end of the day.

Fighting to settle an argument and then shaking hands when it’s over and considering the matter settled is another thing altogether. Individual choice and accepting of the risks. I’m not advocating it but it’s there.

Legal? No

Honourable? You decide.

The consequences of any use of force especially for men in the UK, can be unending and life-changing in this world of legal warfare. Fists have solicitors attached to them. Consensual fighting is to place yourself at huge risk.

The idea of risking your sight as one lad in the video was seen to be doing just for a short-term payoff is pretty limited thinking.

People say they know the risks and it sounds badass down the pub to say you might die on camera in a cavalier way but when something goes wrong, the pressure of not being able to work or support a family WILL trigger litigation, because as we all know - “Where there’s blame, there’s a claim”. Human nature.

“B” - Yeah that was a bit of a laughable mismatch, right?

As soon as the larger guy walked in and the words Muay Thai were mentioned, I started to laugh. It was interesting to see water and tarmac as a factor in the fight and also that it ended with a strangle submission I recall. And “wee choosy fella”… hahaha!

“JC” - agreed. Having had concussions though, if I had to have someone swing at me, I’d rather take a shot from a knuckle (hopefully break their hand the hard way) and get cut than get my brain smashed around by gloved punches though… and even better, not experience either!

Especially from either of the fellas from this fight from a couple of years back.

A pretty sordid back story but man, a great match and again a big weight discrepancy:

(these are re-upped links as the original was taken down)

Thanks gents for taking the time to comment. Jeth.

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